FIS first trade body to hit Conflict Avoidance Gold

FIS has proudly become the first trade association in the UK to be awarded Gold Status by the Conflict Avoidance Coalition (CAC), marking a significant milestone in the organisation’s journey in encouraging a more collaborative and responsible approach to contracting.

The Gold Status recognises FIS’s outstanding commitment to promoting early intervention, fairer contractual practices, and the adoption of the Conflict Avoidance Pledge across its membership and wider industry networks. This accolade reflects years of proactive leadership, advocacy, and practical support for dispute avoidance mechanisms that reduce the financial and emotional toll of adversarial conflict in construction.

Iain McIlwee, Chief Executive of FIS, commented:

“This recognition is not just a badge—it’s a reflection of our values and the culture we are building across the finishes and interiors sector. Conflict avoidance is about protecting relationships, improving project outcomes, and ultimately driving profitability by reducing unnecessary legal costs. Our Responsible No campaign is all about leading by example and through this we will continue to champion collaborative working and early resolution.”

The Conflict Avoidance Coalition, supported by leading industry bodies including RICS, ICE, and CIArb, aims to transform the way disputes are managed in construction and engineering. By awarding Gold Status, the Coalition acknowledges FIS’s role in embedding the principles of the Conflict Avoidance Process (CAP) and encouraging widespread adoption of the Conflict Avoidance Clause in contracts.

Len Bunton, President of the Conflict Avoidance Coalition added:

“It is very encouraging to see that FIS has been awarded Gold Status Partner by the Conflict Avoidance Coalition. I have been working with Iain McIlwee the CEO of FIS, for a number of years, on various matters and FIS has grasped the nettle in embedding CAP into its philosophes and in encouraging so many member companies to sign the Pledge. We now need other trade organisations to join this campaign of collaboration and Best Practice to prevent issues on projects escalating into costly and time-consuming construction disputes”.

FIS continues to work closely with its members, offering simplified contracts, contract reviews, guidance, training, and resources to support the implementation of conflict avoidance strategies. This includes promoting the use of standardised contracts, early intervention techniques, and opportunities to work in a clearer and more collaborative way throughout the supply chain.

For more information about FIS and its work with the Conflict Avoidance Coalition, visit www.thefis.org/no